Dhātu (ayurveda)


Dhātus, n.pl. in Ayurveda, the seven fundamental principles that support the basic structure of the body.
They consist of:
  • Rasa dhatu the substratum formed just after the digestion of food. The main function of this Dhatu is nourishment.
  • Rakta dhatu This is the second Dhatu formed after the food digestion. This is formed from the former Dhatu, Rasa Dhatu
  • Mamsa dhatu This is the third Dhatu. This is formed from the former Dhatu, Rakta Dhatu. The main function of covering the bones.
  • Medus dhatu
  • Asthi dhatu
  • Majja dhatu
  • Shukra dhatu
Traditional texts often refer to these as the Seven Dhātus. Ojas, meaning vigour or vitality, is known as the eighth Dhātu, or Mahādhātu.